Somewhere in the middle of the South Pacific, off the coast of New Caledonia and far from congested mass tourism routes, lie three hidden pearls of pristine beauty, three islands of legend and tradition… The islands of Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa (indigenous names: Drehu, Nengone and Iaaï) make up the Loyalties, the trio of islands which lie roughly 190km to the east of the main New Caledonian island of Grand Terre.

Beaches in Nouméa

Nouméa is a city geared towards the lagoon, the Caledonian capital being one of the most liveable cities. Indulge yourself with a day at the beach, between Anse Vata and the Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay). On the seafront, you can enjoy all water sports in one day.

Effortlessly combining the breathtaking beauty of the South Pacific with the elegance of Europe, Nouméa, New Caledonia is a captivating cosmopolitan capital. Lined with magnificent beaches, beautiful waterways and no shortage of breathtaking vantage points, a visit to the New Caledonian capital reveals some of the incredible reasons why this corner of the globe shouldn’t be missed. From engaging cultural attractions to fun activities for the whole family, there’s so much to see and do across the unforgettable oceanside city of Nouméa, New Caledonia.

Encompassing Ouvéa, the Isle of Pines, Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands that border New Caledonia’s main island are a slice of island paradise just waiting to be discovered. From the Blue Hole of Hanawa on Ouvéa and Warrior’s Leap on Maré to the Jokin Cliffs on Lifour and the Isle of Pines’ Oro Bay, New Caledonia’s islands and their incredible natural beauty are nothing short of captivating.

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

New Caledonia: a paradise for divers

From 6 to 9 January 2017, New Caledonia Tourism will be present at the International Underwater Dive Show (Salon International de la Plongée sous-marine) to be held at the Port de Versailles Parc des Expositions in Paris. Its stand “D08” will also be shared by its partner, the Maison du Lagon. Amateurs or seasoned divers alike will be able to get an insight into the natural wealth and diversity of the dive sites found in the idyllic archipelago of the Pacific Ocean.

Registered since 2008 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the New Caledonian lagoon is the world’s largest and also has the particularity of being subject to a range of sea currents – both warm and cold – which create a multi-faceted underwater environment. This area, incomparable for the observation of marine life in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, shelters thousands of fish, endemic species and a diverse variety of reefs. In order to protect this unique marine environment and to contribute to the sustainable development of the activities within it, in April 2014 New Caledonia created the Coral Sea Natural Reserve (Parc Naturel de la Mer de Corail). Covering over 1.3 million km², it is the largest protected marine area in France.

Discover spectacular underwater depths

Whether for an introductory dive or excursions for experienced divers, each dive spot in New Caledonia is even more magical than the last. Just below the surface, the “patates de corail” (flat coral beds) shelter multi-coloured fauna which are easily accessible with a simple snorkel and mask. For the more experienced diver, a wider world is revealed in the underwater depths: the barrier reef, the passes, the drops… scuba diving enables the diving enthusiast to come face to face with the inhabitants of this underwater world. In depths averaging 20 metres, the New Caledonian lagoon shelters some 2,000 different species of fish, 350 corals and 20,000 invertebrates, making it one of the most prized marine areas to observe the fauna. There are also over 450 species of marine plants. Under strict surveillance, this marine paradise is not only a site where sea turtles lay their eggs, a breeding ground for seabirds and a stop for humpback whales to calve but also an area featuring an exceptional density of, most notably, humphead wrasse, humphead parrotfish and manta rays. The lagoon is also home to prehistoric endemic molluscs such as the New Caledonian nautilus.

5 great reasons to dive in New Caledonia

Professional organisation and infrastructure, with excellent supervisory personnel and dive centres throughout the territory.

An activity which respects the environment, carried out in a fabulous natural setting far removed from mass tourism.

Dives available for all levels.

A protected lagoon with an exceptional diversity of species.

Magical and virtually untouched dive spots.

The 12 must-do dive spots…

Snorkelling

Ile aux Canards (Duck Island) marine reserve, Nouméa

Amédée Lighthouse island, Nouméa

Tibarama islet, Poindimié

Mouli Channel, Ouvéa

Tenia islet, Boulouparis

Oro natural swimming pool, Isle of Pines

Scuba diving

The Cathedral, Hienghène

The wreck of the Dieppoise, Nouméa

The Prony Needle, Mont-Dore

Ile Verte reef break, Bourail

Gorgone Reef, Lifou

The Deverd faults, Koumac

Not to be missed!

Friday 6 January, 18h00: Conference by Henry Eskenazi, journalist.

This underwater enthusiast will share his experiences travelling and diving in New Caledonia, including the best spots in the archipelago.

Each day at Stand D08: Competition to win 2 dive trips in New Caledonia offered by Iatok Diving Paradise and Abyss Plongée.

Festival of Underwater Pictures in New Caledonia 17 – 21 May 2017

During the Dive Show, New Caledonia Tourism will release the teaser for the 8th Festival of Underwater Pictures (Festival de l’Image Sous-Marine) which will be held from 17 to 21 May 2017 at the Rex Cinema in Noumea. Organised by the Sublimage Association, the Festival will reveal the secrets and mysteries of the underwater world through a range of activities: conferences, exhibitions, films and more.

A competition will be organised to reward the best underwater pictures. Open to everyone this year, candidates can register online for the following categories: